Healthy by Nature radio show this week: We’ll have our quarterly discussion of omega-3 fats. There is a growing international consensus about how much we need. I will try to control myself and not take us off-topic by bringing up the dozens of studies I’ve seen come by just since we last focused on fish oil. Call with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and ways to listen nationwide.
 
BEDROOM NEWS FROM SCIENCE

(I wanted to put the word “Sex” on the subject line because I knew that would make more people open the email. However, that might have also caused computers to send it automatically into the junk mail folder.)

A nutraceutical approach for erectile dysfunction. A study of 54 men aged 35 to 75 years of age used propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin to evaluate the effect on their sexual performance. Treatment resulted in improved erections in 40% of cases, with a partial response occurring in up to 77%. The study only lasted 90 days. LINK. Who knows what added benefit might result from longer term “treatment” plus an improvement in diet and exercise. (Naturally, the maker of the TV-advertised little blue drug certainly has no incentive to do such studies.)

Another natural aid: Stimulating nitric oxide (NO) in the blood is one of the approaches the ED drugs use because NO dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow. Resveratrol has that effect too plus fringe benefits for other aspects of health. This animal study also found that even an ED drug worked better with resveratrol: LINK.

Libido and sexual function in women. Low dose supplementation of the building block hormone, DHEA, was found to be a significant help to women aged 50-60 years. LINK. The researchers used DHEA pills. They aren’t believed to be as effective as DHEA supplied through the skin as you would with DHEA Cream.

Women’s prostate. You probably think that heading is a typo. Oddly enough, many women have growths similar to prostate glands and they apparently have the same embryonic source. They are called Skene’s glands. Yes, it is possible for these glands to become cancerous. (It seems that all of our tissues can.) Some of the same diet, lifestyle and environmental factors may cause trouble in women as in men.

 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

During the 12/24 show we discussed the top 8 New Year’s resolutions and how they relate to health. We didn’t get to all of them. Here is one more and I’ll cover the last next week:

#7 Get out of debt. Of course, it is not only more pleasant but also good economics to stay well. Eating healthful food is a no-brainer step in the right direction. Cruciferous vegetables are superstar foods. Here is why: these members of the broccoli/cabbage family are acknowledged by scientists to be protective against several cancers including breast and prostate. (Someday soon we’ll have nutritionist/chef Gayle Pruitt from RealFoodGrocery.com share a few recipes for the crucifers.) They are also nutritional bargains. Conversely, spending money on processed foods is worse than a waste of money. These depleted and damaged foods don’t provide much nutrition and meanwhile the sugars and starches are known to contribute to heart disease, diabetes and obesity. (Note: overweight people earn less. LINK) Also don’t waste money on inferior dietary supplements because “cheap” is not the same thing as a good “value”. Value is getting results. If you eat well and take your vitamins, you will likely have more energy to tackle financial challenges. Good luck with all of that.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.

My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2012 Martie Whittekin, CCN